Energy Performance Certificates
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
More than 25 per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from houses and flats. Energy performance certificates (EPCs) were introduced to help cut these emissions and must be provided to any potential buyers or prospective new tenants by anyone selling, or renting out a home.
When is an EPC required?
Anyone selling a property must normally supply a copy of the EPC to anyone who is interested in buying the property.
Landlords who are re-letting a self-contained property must supply an EPC to any propspective tenant.
In both cases, the EPC must be commissioned before a property is marketed.
Exemptions
Although an EPC is required in almost all circumstances, there are some exceptions:
- Landlords do not need an EPC if they are letting out accomodation that is not self-contained (eg a room in a shared house, where the bathroom and kitchen are shared).
- Landlords and sellers do not need an EPC if the person who asked for it is not a serious prospective buyer or tenant (eg if they clearly cannot afford the property, or are not genuinely interested).
- Sellers do not have to provide an EPC if the property is suitable for demolition.
What will an EPC show?
EPCs are drawn up by accredited energy assessors. They show how energy efficient a property currently is, and how energy efficient it could be if certain improvements are made.
Properties are rated from A to G, with A being the most efficient, and G the least efficient.
The EPC should also give estimates of the fuel costs that a potential buyer or tenant should expect to pay, making it easier to compare different properties.
The EPC will also contain recommendations about how the energy efficiency and environmental impact (CO2 rating) of the property can be improved:
- details of any suggested improvements, such as fitting loft insulation or double glazing
- potential cost savings if improvements are made
- how the recommendations if carried out would change the energy and carbon emissions rating of the property.
Improving the energy efficiency of a property you intend to sell or rent out could make it more attractive to potential buyers or tenants.
What does an EPC look like?
You can download a sample EPC from the Communities and Local Government website.
EPCs include graphs showing the current and potential energy efficiency rating and environmental impact (CO2 rating) of the property:
These graphs show the current rating of the property as well as the potential ratings that could be achieved if the recommendations in the EPC report are followed. If you disagree with a decision by the energy assessor you can complain to them directly.
They also make simple and cost-effective recommendations to make the property more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
How do landlords and sellers get an EPC?
If you are a landlord or homeowner, you will need to find an accredited domestic energy assessor to carry out an assessment of your home. They will produce the certificate, which will be valid for 10 years and costs approximately £100.
If you are trying to sell the property and you produced a home information pack before these were abolished, the EPC that it contained should still be valid for 10 years from the date it was produced.
How do tenants and buyers get an EPC?
Landlords (and letting agents acting on their behalf) should make the EPC available to anyone who is considering renting their property.
What can buyers or tenants do if they do not receive an EPC?
If you do not receive an EPC, you should contact the trading standards department of your local council. They can issue a fixed penalty notice to fine the seller/landlord.
Call the Consumer Direct helpline on 08454 04 05 06 for further guidance, or visit the Trading Standards website to find your nearest trading standards office.
Where can I find out more?
For more information on EPCs visit the Directgov website.
